Thursday, 23 February 2023
Daniel Andrews has ignored a recommendation by former Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption (IBAC) Commissioner Robert Redlich that the Parliament’s Integrity and Oversight Committee (IOC) have a non-Government Chair.
By dismissing the Liberals and Nationals’ motion that would strengthen the Integrity and Oversight Committee, the Andrew Labor Government, subject of multiple corruption investigations, seems poised to appoint a friendly face as its Chair.
How can Victorians have confidence that corruption is being stamped out of their parliament when the government of the day seeks to nobble the committee that oversees integrity issues in our state?
Manager of Opposition Business, James Newbury, said by refusing to appoint an independent Chair to the Parliament Integrity and Oversight Committee, Labor was thumbing its nose at accountability in Victoria.
“By voting down the Liberals and Nationals’ motion to strengthen the Parliament’s key integrity body, Victorians must ask themselves one thing – what does Daniel Andrews have to hide?” Mr Newbury asked.
“Appointing a Labor mate to chair the Integrity and Oversight Committee is an attempt to evade accountability and responsibility for the wrongdoings of their government.
“Victorians are being kept in the dark as the Andrews Labor Government attempts to shield its corruption from the spotlight.”
Shadow Attorney-General, Michael O’Brien, said the Andrews Labor Government had shown its true hand when it comes to matters of integrity.
“The latest revelation is more proof that we have a government run by Labor mates, for Labor mates,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Only the Integrity and Oversight Committee has the power to challenge the Premier should he hand-pick a Labor mate as the new IBAC Commissioner. To see the IOC chaired by a Labor MP is another blow to integrity in Victoria.”